Waterloo · Black Hawk County, IA
Family things to do in Waterloo
Scout analyzed 48 Waterloo places and surfaced the ones that actually fit family.
Places analyzed
48
Matches
16
Typical spend
—
Typical visit
1.7 hr
Scout-verified spots
Outdoors
Hartman Reserve Nature Center
Sprawling outdoor preserve with paved & unpaved paths, scenic lakes & an interpretative center.
Outdoors
Cedar Valley Arboretum & Botanic Gardens
40-acre oasis with multiple themed gardens, including a kids’ area with a fish pond & Hobbit homes.
Outdoors
Cedar River Exchange Park
Outdoors
Hickory Hills Park
Outdoors
George Wyth State Park
Multiple lakes for boating, fishing & windsurfing plus multi-use woodland trails, campsites & more.
Arts & Culture
Matchstick Marvels
Arts & Culture
RiverLoop Amphitheatre & Expo Plaza
Family
Lost Island Themepark
Outdoors
Black Hawk Park
Rustic 1,490-acre green space with campgrounds & river access, plus a popular gun & archery range.
Family
Lost Island Waterpark
Multiple slides & pools plus an arcade, pool hall, go-kart track, mini-golf course & concessions.
Arts & Culture
Cappella Magna
European food is served at this welcoming restaurant with a copy of the Sistine Chapel's ceiling.
Arts & Culture
Phelps Youth Pavilion
Vibrant facility offering interactive educational exhibits for kids, including an artists' workshop.
Arts & Culture
John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum
History of John Deere at the site of its first factory, with hands-on exhibits & free guided tours.
Outdoors
Big Woods Lake Recreation Area
Arts & Culture
Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum & Grout Museum of History & Science
Family
Palmer's Family Fun
Book ahead
Book tours and tickets in Waterloo
Lock in the parts of the plan that sell out — tours, tastings and timed-entry tickets across Waterloo.
See what's bookable in Waterloo(opens in a new tab)Scout Places may earn a commission when you book through links on this page.
Make it a night out
Staying over in Waterloo?
Hotels, resorts and vacation rentals across Waterloo — book the stay and make a full weekend of it.
Find places to stay in Waterloo(opens in a new tab)Scout Places may earn a commission when you book through links on this page.